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Date:
7 May 2009
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Find out when the public can visit Parliament, what facilities there are for visitors with disabilities, and about our security procedures for all visitors.

Access to Parliament Buildings

Parliament Buildings belong to all New Zealanders. They are part of our national heritage and the centre of our democracy. Visitors are welcome, but must be prepared to cooperate with our security measures at all times.

Access to the galleries

You can visit the public galleries of the debating chamber in Parliament House at any time when the House is sitting. Just come to Parliament’s main entrance, check in with Security, and ask for directions to the public galleries. The public galleries open 15 minutes before each sitting. Please note a visit to the public gallery is not part of a standard guided tour of Parliament.

  • Only accredited members of the press may sit in the press gallery.
  • Official guest of members of Parliament have preference for seating in the Speaker's Gallery

Check the House sitting programme link on this page to find out when the House is sitting.

Dress code in the galleries

Visitors to the Speaker’s gallery must comply with the general standards of dress for members of Parliament. In particular:

  • clothing must be neat and tidy
  • men must wear jackets (but a tie is not essential)
  • adults may not wear shorts.

Visitors’ to the public gallery must dress with respect for the dignity of Parliament. In particular:

  • men may not wear hats except for religious reasons (for example, turbans)
  • you must not take off your jacket while you are in the gallery. In addition, you may not carry a jacket into the gallery — please leave it outside.
  • you must wear shoes.

Access for guided tours

You may only take a tour of Parliament Buildings if you leave your bags, phones, and cameras in secure storage at the Visitor Centre first. Please be ready to cooperate with our staff, who will return your possessions to you at the end of your tour.

Sometimes access to parts of Parliament Buildings is restricted because of a conflict with parliamentary business.

Access for education groups

Please liaise with Education Services to confirm drop-off points for student groups.

Disabled access

If you need special help to enjoy your visit to Parliament because of a disability, please let us know. We’re here to help you.

Please note in particular:

  • Disabled visitors to Parliament may be set down on the forecourt to Parliament House.
  • Lifts are available for disabled visitors on guided tours of Parliament Buildings.
  • Wheelchairs are available for disabled visitors.

Watch a select committee hearing

Look at the select committee meeting schedule to find out when select committees are hearing evidence in public. The schedule shows which committees are due to meet in the coming week and which meetings are open to the public. (This information is subject to change at short notice.)

Parking

You can park your car for up to two hours on Molesworth Street and on the side streets surrounding the parliamentary complex. Pay the hourly parking fee at the meter.

There are also public car parks in the surrounding streets.

There is no parking in Parliament grounds, but disabled visitors may be set down on the forecourt.